Meet an Orthodontist

Dr Heraclio Alves Barbosa Junior, also known as Leo, is the Orthodontist at Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne. He graduated in 1996 as a general dentist, and right after he got accepted into the Orthodontics Program in Brazil. Today, he has more than 20 years of experience in Orthodontics and treats patients of all ages in our Ashbourne practice.

Below, Dr Leo has told us about his role as an Orthodontist.

What does an Orthodontist do?

Orthodontists specialise in aligning and straightening your teeth. This is done with various orthodontic treatments, such as traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces.

What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?

Well, Orthodontists are still Dentists, but an Orthodontist has specialised in moving teeth through orthodontic treatments. Just like a General Dentist, I work with patients of all ages, but the majority of my patients tend to be young people as this is usually when people seek orthodontic treatment. However, people of all ages do receive orthodontic treatment.

What initially attracted you to become an Orthodontist?

I began studying dentistry because I’ve always wanted to help improve people’s smiles, and make them smile more! I realised that orthodontics has a big role to play in this. You often see patients’ confidence completely transform after orthodontic treatment, which is really amazing.

What is your favourite part about being an Orthodontist?

As I said, I love helping people achieve the smile they want and deserve. Ultimately, this really is my favourite part about being an Orthodontist. The joy of giving a patient a new smile is really enjoyable.

What advice would you give to patients who are considering orthodontic treatment for themselves or their children? 

Start as soon as possible! When it comes to orthodontic treatments, early intervention is key. While orthodontics are effective for people of all ages, it’s certainly easier to treat younger patients. This is because they are still growing, and so the teeth and bone structure is easier to align. It’s worth at least booking a consultation to consider all of your options.

What are the main benefits of orthodontic treatment? 

There are many benefits to orthodontic treatments, mainly aesthetics, confidence and function. Aesthetically, patients opt for orthodontic treatment to straighten their smile and close any gaps that may bother them. This, in turn, tends to boost a patient’s confidence. 

When it comes to functionality, orthodontic treatment is great as it helps to properly align the teeth in the mouth, meaning the bite function is improved, and oral health is improved as teeth become easier to floss and clean!

Are you interested in orthodontic treatment in Ashbourne? Book your consultation with Dr Leo today online or by calling our practice directly on (01) 835 0344.